Speaker: ‘Are you citizen enough?’

March 18, 2014

NEW RIEGEL High school seniors were honored for their good citizenship, character, conduct and moral outlook during the 57th annual National Machinery Citizenship awards Monday evening at New Riegel High School.

"Being good citizens means more than just talking the talk. You have to also walk the walk," said speaker Lee Martin.

Martin is executive director for Development and Institutional Relations at Heidelberg University, where he has served for 19 years.

Article Photos

PHOTO BY JILL GOSCHELee Martin, executive director for development and institutional relations at Heidelberg University, delivers the keynote address during the National Machinery Citizenship Awards program at New Riegel High School Monday evening. To view more photos from this event, visit cu.advertiser-tribune.com.

The National Machinery Foundation has been supporting large projects through grants and assistance, as well as quietly assisting many local citizens since the 1940s, Martin said.

"The foundation is a big deal, and tonight they are making a big deal out of you (the students)," he said. "You are the leaders of tomorrow and are recognized and praised for your personal integrity and academic accomplishments. You are exceptional because you stand out for all the good reasons, not the wrong."

Through truthfulness, honor and reliability, Martin said the students do the right thing and make the right decisions and hold their morals to the highest standards.

"You, as today's students, are to become tomorrow's leaders," Martin said. "You are not done yet though, you are just getting started.

"Now you should take all the things that you have learned and continue to work on them until you get them right. Live each and every day better than the day before."

Martin said, "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there and take the risk. Are you citizen enough to stand up and be counted on?"

During the ceremony, cash awards also were presented to the following seniors from: